When it comes to seeking out great food, most people think of major cities such as London, New York, or Paris. But little do they know that a tiny island of the Caribbean – Barbados can offer an equally exciting dining experience.
Lobster spring rolls? Jerk chicken? Macaroni pie? You name it. Barbados has it all!
In this guide to Barbados’ restaurants, I will reveal the island’s top five unforgettable eateries that combine delicious food and jaw-dropping sea views. Are you ready?
1. The Atlantis Hotel Barbados
Overlooking picturesque Tent Bay in Bathsheba, the historic Atlantis Hotel is synonymous with high-quality food, relaxed atmosphere, and sundowner cocktails.
It’s legendary Sunday and Wednesday buffet lunches offer a veritable feast of traditional Bajan delights, while the regular menu presents authentic Caribbean dishes prepared in more modern style.
All in all, with its appetising food, dramatic coastal setting, and refreshing East Coast breezes, Atlantis is a wonderfully authentic Barbados experience.
The restaurant is open each day for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner (with the exception of Sunday nights) or just a drop in for tropical cocktails and the fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean.
My favourite pick from the menu: Risotto Atlantis.
2. 13/59 at Port Ferdinand
13/59 at Port Ferdinand is a celebration of the sea around you, private yachts, and the excellence of food!
It’s the perfect place to spend your lazy Sunday morning enjoying brunch in a quiet marina.
Barbequed pork buns, lobster popcorn, eggs Benedict, grilled lobster tail… These are some of their current house specialities, although menus evolve with the freshest and best seasonable produce.
Food is served in the relaxed elegance and the sounds of live music.
My favourite pick from the menu: grilled lobster tail, garlic butter, and hand cut fries. Yum!
3. Round House Barbados
Located in historic Bathsheba on the rugged East Coast of Barbados, Round House has been a much-loved destination for residents and visitors of Barbados for more than 100 years.
Built in the early 18th century, the estate boasts an authentically beautiful scenic environment, commanding views of the Atlantic Coast and an undisturbed stretch of white sand beach studded with natural pools.
This popular restaurant offers casual dining all day long with a menu that emphasises fresh, and locally-sourced ingredients for its signature soups, salads, and sandwiches.
The outdoor setting overlooking the beach provides some of the best views on the island, as well as being a prime spot for watching surfers brave the waves.
My favourite pick from the menu: classic flying fish sandwich with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and garlic aioli.
4. Nishi Barbados
Nishi is a chick, elegantly casual bistro, owner-run by British hosts Paul Edwards and Steve Prebble. Some people say that it’s a place where little Britain meets the West Indies.
The award-winning restaurant presents the best of British, Caribbean and Japanese cuisines.
Traditional specialities like English pork pie, regional dishes as well as highly popular sushi can be all enjoyed here.
Nishi’s sushi chefs have earned a reputation for preparing both traditional sushi and the latest trends in Japanese cuisine.
In Nishi, you can romantically dine under the stars in the lit courtyard or in air-conditioned comfort.
My favourite pick from the menu: lobster maki.
5. Apsara Samudra
Renowned for the excellence of their Indian and Thai cuisines, Apsara Samudra welcomes you to its beautifully decorated seaside home in bustling St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados.
Apsara’s slatted pavilions and beguiling swings step down into gentle terraces, through the dense foliage of a tropical landscape, to the dazzling sun-dappled Caribbean Sea that laps below your feet.
As a diner, you have a choice of sitting indoors in the cosy dining room, or outdoors where the brilliance of the Caribbean Sea is challenged by the excellence of the food.
Overall, the atmosphere (and the food) here is magical.
My favourite pick from the menu: Panner, a homemade cottage cheese cooked with spinach, cashew nut, tomato, cream and khoya butter gravy.
Have you ever travelled to Barbados? What were your favourite restaurants on the island? What do you think about the local cuisine?